Literacy Programs
Books Build Futures Literacy Event
Books Build Futures
TEPF is proud to present the inaugural Books Build Futures luncheon gala. Literacy is a basic human right and a foundational building block for a successful life. Join a diverse cross section of business leaders, influencers, community makers and those passionate about fostering increased literacy in our city.
Event Details
Location: Calgary Golf & Country Club, 5900 Elbow Drive SW (entrance is one block west of the intersection of Elbow Drive & 50th Ave SW)
Date: April 29, 2025
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Event Format
An elegant meal, networking, and a facilitated fireside chat with inspirational and influential leaders.
Moderator:
Michelle Cameron-Coulter, Olympic Gold Medalist & Speaker
Michelle Cameron Coulter is an Olympic Gold Medalist, six-time World Champion, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and host of Inspiring Possibilities – The Courage to Jump In podcast. She was the first Albertan to win an Olympic Gold Medal in a Summer Games and has been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Michelle is a passionate leader, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. She has helped raise millions for causes close to her heart, from United Way to KidSport and Special Olympics. As the CEO of Inspiring Possibilities, she empowers individuals and organizations to embrace their full potential, overcome fear, and create their own Gold Medal Results.
Most importantly, she is a proud wife to fellow Olympian Al Coulter and mom to four incredible young adults.
“Living like a champion isn’t about being the best in the world—it’s about being the best you can be and being real in the process.” www.michellecameroncoulter.com
Panel speakers:
Laureen Harper, Literacy and Community Advocate
Laureen Harper is a passionate Albertan, patriotic Canadian, and an outdoors enthusiast. Born and raised in southern Alberta, Laureen spent nearly ten years in Ottawa as Canada’s first lady, the wife of the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, 22nd Prime Minister of Canada.
During her years in the official spotlight, Laureen was a dedicated supporter to a wide range of charitable causes, including the National Arts Centre, Humane Societies across Canada, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, the Red Cross, and the True Patriot Love Foundation, an organization she previously served as Honorary Chair. Laureen has also lent her support to the creation of the Trans-Canada Trail. From 2011 to 2015, she served as Honorary Campaign Chair, and she put her passion to work supporting Trans Canada Trail’s fundraising efforts when she served on the Trans Canada Trail Foundation Board from 2017 to 2022.
Today, Laureen resides near Calgary, Alberta with her husband. She remains an active volunteer and supporter of The Alberta Centre to End Trafficking, a trail host at Bragg Creek Trail, and an Ambassador for the Wilder Institute at the Calgary Zoo. In her spare time Laureen enjoys hiking, backpacking and scrambling up mountains.
Emma Waller, Community Influencer and Education Champion
Emma Waller, Programs Coordinator for the Calgary Flames Foundation, is a dedicated leader in community engagement and youth empowerment.
Joanne Pitman, Chief Superintendent of Schools, Calgary Board of Education
Joanne Pitman became Chief Superintendent of Schools effective March 1, 2024. Prior to that, Joanne held the role of superintendent, School Improvement. In that capacity, she was responsible for supporting the improvement of student achievement, equity and well-being, while co-leading day-to-day learning and operations in schools. She led the creation of foundational educational frameworks, including the CBE Literacy Framework and continued to expand system-wide use of data to make quality decisions. She is also committed to building strong relationships on behalf of the CBE within the city and across the province.
Joanne holds a Master of Education (Educational Leadership) from the University of Lethbridge. Before joining the CBE, Joanne held the position of Assistant Superintendent Universal Design & Learning in the Medicine Hat Public School District. She began her career with the Grande Prairie Public School District as a teacher, principal, district principal, and director.
11:30 am – Arrival/Welcome
12:00 pm – Lunch
12:45 pm – Panel discussion
1:30 pm – Event concludes
Panel Discussion Topic
Dress Code
Business casual is preferred. Denim material of any color is not permitted anywhere on club property. Casual dress/proper golf attire is acceptable throughout the clubhouse with the exclusion of hats, which are not to be worn in any indoor dining venue. Ladies fashion headwear is acceptable.
Lunch & Drinks
Our guests will enjoy a glass of Prosecco with lunch. Any additional drinks can be purchased with cash. The golf course accepts cash payments only.
Cost
Cost of ticket – $100
Table of eight – $800
event inquiries or any dietary restrictions, please contact Shelley Forbes at shelley.forbes@tepf.ca
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PROSECCO SPONSOR
Speaker Gifts Sponsor, in-kind
